Archive
Perez Pleased With Keepmoat Comeback
Written by Newcastle Utd
Ayoze Perez believes Wednesday's pre-season friendly draw was a learning experience for Newcastle United
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Goalscorer Ayoze Perez believes Wednesday's pre-season friendly draw was a learning experience for Newcastle United.
The Magpies found themselves two down at half-time to their League Two opponents, only to launch a spirited second half fightback.
Summer signing Isaac Hayden halved the deficit before Perez struck in the dying seconds at the Keepmoat Stadium, cutting back onto his favoured right foot inside a crowded penalty area and calmly finding the back of the net.
And while a draw was disappointing for the Spanish forward - even in those circumstances - he believes that plenty of lessons have been learnt.
"We tried to get the win right until the end," said Perez.
"It didn't happen but we had a good comeback after the first half. We learned some things, we changed some things and we got a draw. We showed good character in the second half to almost get the win.
"At this time of year we are learning. We know that in the league it is going to be really tough if the other team get a goal before we do. So we have to learn what to do in that situation and this type of game will have helped us.
"For me, it's always nice to be on the scoresheet. It's nice to help the team get a draw like this.
"It doesn't matter if it is a friendly or not. Having the chance to score a goal is special for me and it is always a great feeling.
"So I'm happy and now we have to keep working towards the new season."
Wednesday's draw came off the back of a 6-0 friendly victory over Irish side Bohemian last weekend, in which Perez also impressed.
And having spent almost three weeks being put through his paces by manager Rafa Benitez, the former Tenerife man believes it has been an excellent pre-season.
"It is going well," he continued.
"It is different but it is really good because the team are comfortable and getting fit. Everything is going in the right way.
"The manager is always telling us to think about the ball. We will have the ball a lot during the season and we have to dominate the other teams.
"So we have been working on that, and the tactics to help that. It feels like we are doing well.
"It's about keep learning, keep playing, keep working and get fitter. We will be ready to go against Fulham."